Electronic board game creator

ABSTRACT

The electronic-supported game system for interactive game plays for one or more users is provided. The electronic-supported game system includes a contactless communication unit, one or more boards contactlessly capacitive coupled to the contactless communication unit and one or more play items to be placed on the one or more boards. The one or more boards to be operated under the influence of alternating electric field and are contactlessly capacitive coupled to the contactless communication unit. The one or more play items to form a closed electrical circuit with the one or more users under the influence of alternating electric field. The one or more play items to release a signal, the signal to be processed and further communicated by the feedback unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of the non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/174,584 filed on Jun. 30, 2011. The non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/174,584 claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/360,099 filed on Jun. 30, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by references in its entirety.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to gaming systems and more particularly relates to an electronic supported game system for interactive game plays.

2. Background of the Invention

Although board games have a long history over the centuries, more and more users have recently been attracted to consoles and computer games as a result of their interactivity and endless variants. In order to enhance the playing features, many board games have been equipped with electronic elements. Some of them use digital display technology as well as sound and/or light effects. Electronic dice are common in recent games as well as board games containing RFID technologies for identifying tokens or players or playing cards or other items. The virtual world offers plenty of board game simulations for PC game consoles and online gaming. Some are labeled as Casino Games, which perform electronic roulette or other board games for gambling purposes.

Social networks and online games allow users to play with others over a distance; such features cannot be afforded by traditional board games. Chess players have used traditional mail in the past. Also, board games cannot compete with the effects that console or PC games provide. The task is of interfacing existing board games with PCs in order to maintain the physical look and experience while incorporating the electronic possibilities presents a challenge. Virtual software board games exist, but still there is a challenge to bring physical presence and more fun to the players over traditional board games.

Though these high-end devices operate either on AC power or battery, thus there is a need of a device that could save electricity bills. This invention illustrates ways to make board games more interesting and more enjoyable while communicating over networks. The electronic board game creator system (BGC) will illustrate that it is possible to create electronic board games that can compete with electronic games in a very short time and allow users to play them immediately.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the teachings of present invention, an electronic-supported game system for interactive game plays for one or more users is provided.

An object of the present invention is to create alternating electric field with the direct involvement of users playing the game.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic-supported game with a contactless communication unit, one or more boards and one or more play items. The contactless communication unit includes an interface which is connected to external devices.

Another object of the present invention is to display position and image of the play items on external devices. The play items form a closed alternating electrical circuit with the users and the board and releases a signal for the interface. Further, the external devices communicates the signal provided by the interface

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless communication unit to create wireless communication with the external devices.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a memory unit for storing game play data.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a player unit for communication and identification of the users with the contactless communication unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates network architecture of an electronic-supported game system, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates network architecture of the one or more play items 106 placed on the one or more boards, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates network architecture of contactless communication unit 102 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 illustrates the electrical circuit for the formation of closed electrical circuit between the one or more play items and one or more user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this technology is illustrated and described in a preferred embodiment, electronic-supported game system may be produced in many different configurations, forms and materials. There is depicted in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail, as a preferred embodiment of the invention, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and the associated functional specifications for its construction and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated. Those skilled in the art will envision many other possible variations within the scope of the technology described herein.

Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the invention which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever feasible and convenient, the same reference numerals are used in the figures and the description to refer to the same or like parts. The drawings are in a simplified form and not to precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such as top, bottom, left, right, up, down, over, above, below, beneath, rear, and front may be used with respect to the accompanying drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be strictly construed to limit the scope of the invention. In addition, words such as attached, affixed, coupled, connected and similar terms with their inflectional morphemes are used interchangeably, unless the difference is noted or made otherwise clear from the context. These words and expressions do not necessarily signify direct connections, but include connections through mediate components and devices.

FIG. 1 illustrates network architecture of an electronic-supported game system 100. The electronic-supported game system 100 for interactive game plays for one or more users 101. The electronic-supported game system 100 includes a contactless communication unit 102, one or more boards 104 contactlessly capacitive coupled to the contactless communication unit 102 and one or more play items 106 to be placed on said one or more boards 104. The contactless communication unit 102 includes a generator 108 for generating a frequency, a convertor 110 for converting the frequency into alternating electric field and an interface 112 connected to one or more feedback unit 114.

Examples of convertor 110 include but not limited to inductor, resonator, cascade, transformer, level shifter etc. However, it will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art that the various other devices may also be used for converting frequency into alternating electric field, without deviating from the scope of the present invention. The contactless communication unit 102 is explained in detailed in conjunction with FIG. 3 of the present invention.

The one or more boards 104 to be operated under the influence of alternating electric field. The one or more boards 104 are explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2 of the present invention. The one or more play items 106 to form a closed electrical circuit with the one or more users 101 under the influence of alternating electric field. The one or more play items 106 to release a signal. The interface 112 detects and processes the signal and further the signal is displayed through the feedback unit 114. The one or more play items 106 are explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates network architecture of the one or more play items 106 placed on the one or more boards 104. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the one or more boards 104 include one or more playfields 202, such as playfield 202 a, 202 b and 202 c. The one or more playfields 202 are capacitively inter-connected. The one or more boards 104 further include printed lines 204 to indicate connectivity between the one or more playfields 202. The one or more play items 106 such as 106 a, 106 b and 106 c are placed on the one or more play fields 202. The electric field influences all playfields 202.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the one or more boards 104 to be kept in close proximity to the contactless communication unit 102 for influencing the one or more boards 104 with the alternating electric field generated from the contactless communication unit 102. Thus, the alternating electrical field loses its energy as the distance increases.

Each playfield 202 includes capacitive resistance. In an exemplary embodiment, voltage ratio on the play item 106 placed on first playfield 202 is 99% and voltage ratio on the play item 106 placed on the last playfield 202 is 1%. Examples of one or more play items 106 includes but not limited to action figures, play stones, play cards, dice, miniatures (houses in monopoly). As shown, play item 106 a, 106 c as pawn and 106 b as dice having surface S1, S2 and S3 (S4, S5 and S6 hidden). The one or more play items 106 are further explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 4 of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electronic-supported game system 100 further includes surface detection means 206 and position detection means 208 connected to the one or more play items 106 and the one or more boards 104. The one or more surface detection means 206 are connected to the one or more play items 106. The one or more surface detection means 206 determine the surface of play item 106 being in contact with said board 104 and further the one or more surface detection means 206 releases a surface information payload for the one or more interface 112.

The one or more position detection means 208 are connected to the one or more boards 104. The one or more position detection means 208 release touch signals created by the one or more users 101 while operating the one or more play items 106. The touch signals to be analyzed and is further transferred to the feedback unit 114 by the one or more interface 112.

The feedback unit 114 communicates the signal processed by said interface 112. The signal includes touch signals, position signals and surface information payload. Example of interface 112 includes but not limited to electronic switches, means for analog to digital conversion and vice versa. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the feedback unit 114 is a touch panel connected to the interface. The touch panel allows the user to input commands like selection of various modules present in the game. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the feedback unit 114 is speaker to provide audio messages regarding the game.

FIG. 3 illustrates network architecture of contactless communication unit 102. The contactless communication unit 102 further includes a controller 302, one or more wireless communication unit 304 and one or more memory unit 306. The controller 302 connected to the interface 112. The controller 302 to facilitate interactive game plays. The controller 302 operates a program which is related to the game play or user action.

The one or more wireless communication unit 304 connected to the interface 112. The one or more wireless communication unit 304 communicates with one or more external devices 308. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the controller 302 provides instructions of the game to the interface 112. The instructions are then communicated through the external devices 308 or the feedback unit 114.

Examples of wireless communication unit 304 includes but not limited to bluetooth, wi-fi, etc. However, it will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art that the various other devices may also be used for connection with the one or more external devices, without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

Examples of external devices 308 include but not limited to a visual display unit, audio unit, audio-video unit, the wireless media player, wireless router and vibrator means etc. The one or more memory unit 306 is connected to the interface 112 for storing game play data. Examples of one or more memory unit 306 includes but not limited to SD Flash ROM, memory card and other similar devices.

FIG. 4 illustrates the electrical circuit for the formation of closed electrical circuit between the one or more play items 106 and one or more user 101. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the play item 106 is illustrated in the shape of a pawn. The play items 106 further includes one or more electrodes 402, buffer means 404, a modulator 406 and one or more light emitting diodes 408.

The generator 108 generates a frequency, the frequency converted to alternating electric field through convertor (not shown in FIG. 4). The one or more play items 106 to form a closed electrical circuit with the one or more users 101 under the influence of alternating electric field. The charge flows through the one or more electrodes 402, such as electrode 402 a and 402 b. The modulator 406 contactlessly capacitive coupled to the interface 112. The one or more modulator 406 to alter the electric field and generates an ID number, the ID number to be detected and processed by the interface 406.

The one or more buffer means 404 are connected to the one or more modulators 406 and the one or more surface detection means 206. The one or more buffer means 404 to harvest energy for operation from the alternating electric field. The one or more light emitting diodes 408 emits light due to the presence of alternating electric field. However, the play items 106 illuminates much brighter when touched by the user 101. Examples of buffer means 404 includes but not limited to capacitor, GoldCap, accumulator etc. However, it will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art that the various other devices may also be used for harvesting energy for operation from the alternating electric field, without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

The present invention offers various advantages. The present invention is much more interactive than other board games. In the present invention the board doesn't require any direct power source and the board operates on the alternating current produced by the closes circuit formed in between the user, play items and contactless communication unit. Thus, the electronic-supported game system appears to be as a magic for the users, as they can replicate the image of the play items on the external devices. The electronic-supported game system may be used to play games such as but not limited to action figures in bot games, chess, monopoly, scrabble, poker, games with smallest items or toys as play items etc.

The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion and from the accompanying drawings that various changes, modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. An electronic-supported game system for interactive game plays for one or more users, said electronic-supported game system comprising: a contactless communication unit comprising: a generator for generating a frequency; a convertor for converting the frequency into alternating electric field; and an interface connected to one or more feedback unit; one or more boards contactlessly capacitive coupled to said contactless communication unit, said one or more boards to be operated under the influence of alternating electric field; and one or more play items placed on said one or more boards, said one or more play items to form a closed electrical circuit with said one or more users under the influence of alternating electric field, said one or more play items to release a signal, said signal to be detected and processed by said interface, wherein the feedback unit communicates the signal processed by said interface.
 2. The one or more play items according to claim 1 further comprises one or more modulator contactlessly capacitive coupled to said interface, said one or more modulator to alter the electric field and generates an ID number, the ID number to be detected and processed by said interface.
 3. The electronic-supported game system according to claim 1 further comprises one or more surface detection means connected to said one or more play items, said one or more surface detection means to determine the surface of play item being in contact with said board and releases a surface information payload for said interface.
 4. The electronic-supported game system according to claim 1 further comprises one or more position detection means connected to said one or more boards, said one or more position detection means to release touch signals created by said one or more users while operating said one or more play items, said touch signals to be analyzed and further transferred to said feedback unit by said interface.
 5. The contactless communication unit according to claim 1 further comprises one or more wireless communication unit connected to said interface, said one or more wireless communication unit to communicate with one or more external devices.
 6. The contactless communication unit according to claim 1 further comprises a controller connected to interface, said controller to facilitate interactive game play.
 7. The contactless communication unit according to claim 1 further comprises one or more memory unit connected to said interface for storing game play data.
 8. The one or more play items according to claim 1 further includes one or more buffer means connected to said one or more modulators and said one or more surface detection means, said one or more buffer means to harvest energy for operation from said alternating electric field.
 9. The electronic-supported game system according to claim 1 further comprises a player unit for communication and identification of said one or more users with the contactless communication unit.
 10. An electronic-supported game system for interactive game plays for one or more user, said electronic-supported game system comprising: a contactless communication unit comprising: a generator for generating a frequency; a convertor for converting the frequency into alternating electric field; and an interface connected to a feedback unit; a board contactlessly capacitive coupled to said contactless communication unit, said board to be operated under the influence of alternating electric field; one or more play items placed on said board, said one or more play items to form a closed electrical circuit with said one or more user under the influence of alternating electric field, said one or more play items to release a signal, said signal to be detected and processed by said interface, wherein the feedback unit communicates the signal processed by said interface; a position detection means connected to said board, said position detection means to release touch signals created by said one or more users while operating said one or more play items, said touch signals to be analyzed and further transferred to said feedback unit by said interface, wherein the feedback unit communicates the touch signals processed by said interface; and a surface detection means connected to said one or more play items, said surface detection means to determine the surface of play item being in contact with said board and releases a surface information payload for said interface, wherein the feedback unit communicates the signal processed by said interface.
 11. The one or more play items according to claim 10 further comprises a modulator contactlessly capacitive coupled to said interface, said modulator to alter the electric field and generates an ID number, the ID number to be detected and processed by said interface.
 12. The contactless communication unit according to claim 10 further comprises a wireless communication means to communicate with external devices.
 13. The contactless communication unit according to claim 10 further comprises a controller connected to interface, said controller to facilitate interactive game play.
 14. The contactless communication unit according to claim 10 further comprises a memory unit to store game play data.
 15. The one or more play items according to claim 10 further includes buffer means to harvest energy for operation from said alternating electric field.
 16. A method for creating an electronic-supported game system for interactive game plays for one or more users, the method comprising the steps of: generating a frequency by a generator; converting the frequency into alternating electric field by a convertor; operating a board under the influence of the alternating electric field; placing play items on said board under the influence of alternating electric field; forming a closed electrical circuit between play items, board and user under the influence of alternating electric field; releasing a signal released by play items to an interface; processing the signal by said interface; and communicating the processed signal through a feedback unit.
 17. The method for creating an electronic-supported game system according to claim 16 further comprising the step of detecting the position of said play items on said board through position detection means.
 18. The method for creating an electronic-supported game system according to claim 16 further comprising the step of detecting surface of said play item being in contact with said board through surface detection means and further releasing a surface information payload for said interface.
 19. The method for creating an electronic-supported game system according to claim 16 further comprising the step of generating an ID number through a modulator, the ID number to be detected and processed by said interface.
 20. The method for creating an electronic-supported game system according to claim 16 further comprising the steps of: communicating with external devices through wireless communication means; facilitating interactive game play through a controller; storing game play data through a memory unit; and harvesting energy for operation from said alternating electric field through buffer means. 